Media Statements

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney

Monday, August 05, 2013

Townsville to benefit from surplus state land

More than four hectares of surplus state-owned land in Townsville will be transferred to Council in a bid to boost the city’s economic regeneration.

The Queensland Government has entered into an arrangement for the transfer of 4.63 hectares, which was part of Townsville’s former working rail yards.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the move recognised Townsville City Council’s wish to be ‘master of its own destiny’.

“The State Government has much under-utilised land on its books and we should not be land banking for the sake of it, particularly when there is another party better placed to develop it, or add value,” Mr Seeney said.

“This initiative demonstrates the variety of approaches the State is exploring so we can leverage better social, community and economic outcomes for the State, and for the people of Townsville.”

Mr Seeney said the land being transferred was held by QR and was known locally as the Heritage Workshops Precinct, a high-profile site within the Townsville CBD.

“Given QR runs rail networks – it doesn’t redevelop city CBD’s - it’s sensible and logical to remove this property from the State’s ‘land bank’ to allow it be fully utilised for the benefit of the community,” he said.

He said two-thirds of the site was subject to a heritage listing.

“Given its history of being an intensive working rail yard until its closure in 1993, analysis has confirmed the site requires remediation in the event of redevelopment.

“The contract executed represents a deal that allows for the land to transfer at a reasonable price—and allows the council 90 days to undertake a full due diligence and make a final decision on the role it will play in this urban renewal opportunity.”